What
is an oily skin ?
Oily
skin is seen as shiny, thick and dull in colour. Often a chronically
oily skin has coarse pores and pimples. It is prone to blackheads.
This type of skin has the oil producing sebaceous glands overactive
and producing more oil than is needed. Thus the oil oozes and gives
the skin a greasy shine. The pores are enlarged and the skin has a
coarse look.
What
are the causes of an Oily Skin ?
- Heredity
- Diet
- Hormone
levels
- Pregnancy
- Birth
control pills
- Cosmetics
you use
-
Humidity and hot weather
- Because
of the hormonal shifts of adolescence, oily skin is common in teenagers,
but it can occur at any age. In general, skin tends to become dryer
with age. The flow of sebum or oil increases during adolescence
and starts decreasing with age. Hormonal imbalances of adolescence
and menopause cause the ocuurence of oily skin.
- Many
people have a textured oily skin.
Skin
Care for Oily Skin -
The
great advantage of oily skin is that it ages at a slower rate than
other skin types.
Oily
skin needs special cleansing with plenty of hot water and soap to
prevent the pores from being clogged. Avoid harsh products that strip
your skin of oil and encourage flakiness. They can cause reactive
seborrhoea
Avoid skincare products that leave your skin feeling taut and dehydrated.
They cause the upper layers of the skin to shrinkand thus restricts
oil flow through the pores leading to blockages and breakouts.
To cleanse oily skin, use oil-based products as they dissolve sebum
effectively.
Keep your skin very clean. Limit washing your face to two or three
times a day. Too much washing will stimulate your skin to produce
more oil.
Choose
your cleanser with care. Try an antibacterial cleansing lotion or
a lightly medicated soap, and use it in combination with a water rich
in minerals, not tap water. Do not use cleansers or lotions that contain
alcohol. After cleansing, apply a natural oil-free moisturizer to
keep the skin supple.
Use
hot water when washing your face.
If
your skin is extremely oily, three or four daily cleansings may be
in order and little or no moisturizing necessary before you are 30
years old. After that point, the skin around your eyes and mouth and
on your throat may benefit from a nightly moisturizing, plus a mere
touch of moisturizer in the morning.
When
cleansing, massage your face well with your fingertips, using an upward
and outward motion. Be careful not to rub soap into the skin; it can
clog pores.
If
your oily skin is scaly, you can often correct the problem by using
a deep-cleaning exfoliant on alternate nights, and following the treatment
with a light coating of moisturizer.
Try using a clay or mud mask. If you have sensitive skin, use white
or rose-colored clays.
Choose
cosmetic and facial care products specifically designed for oily skin.
Before
applying makeup, use an antiseptic day cream with active ingredients
that diminish sebaceous secretions. Look for benzyl peroxide in the
list of active ingredients.
Use
a light antiseptic night cream from time to time if you wish, and
apply a clarifying mask one or two times a week.
Diet for Oily Skin
Take a diet rich in proteins but restricted in sugar, fluids and salt.
Take
plenty of leafy green vegetables and fresh fruits.
Have
your blood brought up to par by the suitable administration of necessary
vitamins, iron and similar substances.
Even
a slight deficiency in vitamin B2 can cause oily skin. Nutritional
yeast, wheat germ and organ meats provide both vitamin B5 and vitamin
B2. Other good sources of vitamin B2 are whole grains, beans, nuts,
and royal jelly. Buckwheat, black beans and whole rice are excellent
to supply the body with iron and rejuvenate pate skin.
Drink
plenty of quality water to keep the skin hydrated and flush out toxins.
Reduce
the amount of fat in your diet. Avoid pork and fried and highly seasoned
foods.
Consume
no animal fats, or heat-processed vegetable oils.
Do
not cook with oil. Do not eat any oils that have been subjected to
heat, whether in processing or cooking. If a little oil is necessary,
such as in salad dressing, use cold-pressed canola or olive oil only.
Do
not drink soft drinks or alcoholic beverages. Avoid sugar, chocolate,
and junk food.
Herbs for Oily Skin -
Pitta
face wash
Pitta
body moisturizer.
We
offer some classical Indian supportive remedies for this disease which
are supposed to be taken strictly under medical supervision. Kindly
Ask a Doctor
